Lock Jason Eaton was plucked from obscurity to make his international debut for the All Blacks in November 2005, having not yet played any Super Rugby.

He made his domestic debut for Manawatu in 2003 before heading for pastures new with Taranaki, for whom he was playing when handed his All Blacks debut.

Subsequently Eaton made his Super 14 debut for the Hurricanes, scoring a brace of tries against the Western Force. His introduction to Super Rugby coincided with his disappearance from the international setup, his services not required by Graham Henry between November 2006 and the summer of 2009.

He made his international return as a replacement against Australia in the opening game of the 2009 Tri-Nations, having impressed the selectors during the Junior All Blacks Pacific Nations Cup win.